1986, Chicago
Edward grew up and eventually began to notice the negligence of his parents. He had carefully observed the doting mothers of his class fellows at school. He had noticed the protective fathers too, and with a painful blow had realized that he lacked both. He didn't have a loving mother who would kiss him before school started and ask him about his day when it ended. His father was not patient and attentive. Carlisle never played with Edward. Esme had not even as much as even ever bothered to tell Edward that she loved him. Because the truth was that she didn't. And Edward realized that soon. The truth left him bitter, cold and suspicious towards all people around him. He was even lonelier.
His only companions were the kind Masens, his neighbors. He would often find himself locked up in 's basement that was used as a workshop. While most children of his age would be out playing and having fun, Edward would observe. He carefully studied the intricacy of Mr Masen's work, and would also listen to his kind neighbor droning on about carpentry attentively. The whole affair intrigued him and he wanted to become a part of it. He saw Mr Masen's work. It was all so beautiful and flawless.
Edward soon developed a love for all things beautiful. Ugly dull things repulsed him. He never wanted anything to do with plain things. But sadly, the world around him was full of ugly things. His parents, whose devil-may-care attitude made them already ugly became even more grotesque as their old age and careless ways got to them. But still Carlisle and Esme didn't care for their boy. And not surprisingly, the little boy also started to not care for them.
It was another new day and Edward once again found himself in Mr Masen's workshop, admiring all the crafts. "My boy! _" Mr Masen exclaimed, "_let me show you something." Mr Masen saw as Edward's young, boyish innocent face whipped towards him. His eyes curious but guarded, his face innocent but devoid of any emotions. Mr Masen silently headed towards a wooden cabinet, which he had made himself, and unlocked it. Edward watched with unabashed curiosity as to what Mr Masen was doing. He felt his eyes widen as Mr Masen pulled a beautiful wooden train out of the cabinet. His neighbor walked back towards him. "It is for you." He said, handing the train to Edward.
The little boy was speechless. He had never received a gift, especially never a gift as beautiful as this one.
Edward found himself at loss of words, which never happened. But as he stared in awe at the wooden gift, a simple phrase entered his mind which Mr Masen often used to express his opinion of lovely things. This train was a sight-A sight for the sore eyes.
…
1986, Arizona
Renee found herself falling deeper into an abyss of despair. Her husband was still unaware of her exploits and she was safe. So she should stop caring, right? But she couldn't. Everyday she found herself more despondent but still couldn't bring herself to stop her depraved immoral ways. It wasn't her fault, she tried convincing herself. It was her husband's parochial and insular mentality that had made her resort to such desperate measures in order to find comfort. But deep down Renee knew the truth, she was at fault. And the truth was eating her alive. Her baby girl, Isabella was growing up too and Renee felt a lump form in her throat as she thought of her daughter.
"Mommy" Isabella's sweet voice rang out and Renee immediately turned to her angel, discarding her thoughts. "Can I ask you something?" she inquired quietly. "Sure honey" Renee answered as she leaned down to tousle her daughter's lustrous mahogany hair. Isabella chewed her full bottom lip thoughtfully. Renee observed her daughter with pride. Even as a child, Isabella was absolutely stunning to look at: long brow hair, high cheek bones and angelic brown eyes fringed with thick long lashes. She was beautiful. Renee was getting nervous. What was making Isabella so hesitant? She was never the one for inhabitancy.
Renee saw as Isabella finally seemed to stop contemplating and come to a decision with an all too familiar look of determination on her face. "Mommy, do you love me more or Phil?" Renee felt her world shatter and fall apart as her daughter said those mere eight words.